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Programs available to pay Medicare Costs

By Staff | Jan 12, 2009

Special To The Citizen Out-of-pocket costs for Medicare are expected to take a much bigger portion of retirees’ budgets next year. “Coming on top of big increases in home heating fuel, food, and other extreme cost increases, seniors should look into Medicare assistance programs,” said Daniel O’Connell, chairman of The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). “Many people with limited income and savings qualify for thousands of dollars in savings, and don’t even know it.” O’Connell said. “Medicare Savings Programs” and “Extra Help” are assistance programs that pay Medicare premiums, and other cost sharing like deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments. Medicare Savings Programs pay the Part B premium. Seniors who qualify would receive about $96.40 more in their monthly Social Security check because the Part B premium would no longer be automatically deducted. In addition, the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary savings program covers Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles and co-insurance costs – assistance that can be worth thousands of dollars, especially if a senior is hospitalized. Medicare beneficiaries with limited savings and a monthly income of $1,190 or less (for individuals), or $1,595 or less (for couples) may be eligible. “Medicare beneficiaries should call their local Medicaid office to see if they qualify,” O’Connell said. The Extra Help program lowers Medicare prescription drug costs. Extra Help pays most or even all of the drug plan premium, the annual deductible, drug co-payments, and provides valuable coverage for the doughnut hole gap. Altogether the coverage can be worth up to $3,600 per year. The income limits for Extra Help are slightly higher than other Medicare savings programs so it’s easier to qualify. Beneficiaries with a monthly income of $1,300 (for individuals) or $1,750 (for couples) and who have limited savings may be eligible. To apply or learn more about Extra Help contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or online at “http://www.socialsecurity.gov.”>www.socialsecurity.gov. In addition, Medicare benefits counselors at many local Area Agencies on Aging can assist with applying for Extra Help, and in choosing and enrolling in the best prescription drug plan. “TSCL urges seniors to apply for these programs even if you think you may not be eligible,” said O’Connell. “Every state has slightly different eligibility rules and it’s easier to qualify in some areas,” O’Connell notes. TSCL recently supported new Medicare legislation that should make it easier for more low-income seniors to qualify for these programs in the future. In addition, TSCL supports a bill passed in the Senate (S. 3560), introduced by Sen. Max Baucus (MT), that would authorize $45 million in extra funds for Medicare Assistance Programs in 2009. With 1.2 million supporters, The Senior Citizens League is one of the nation’s largest nonpartisan seniors groups. Located just outside Washington, D.C., its mission is to promote and assist members and supporters, to educate and alert senior citizens about their rights and freedoms as U.S. Citizens, and to protect and defend the benefits senior citizens have earned and paid for. The Senior Citizens League is a proud affiliate of The Retired Enlisted Association. Visit www.SeniorsLeague.org or call 1-800-333-8725 for more information.